Vietnamese vegetarian cuisine is not just a diet, but also a significant part of Vietnamese culture and spirituality. Especially on full moon days, the first day of the lunar month, or major holidays, traditional vegetarian dishes become even more popular, imbued with the flavors of home and profound spiritual values. Each dish contains meticulousness, ingenuity in preparation, and the harmony of natural ingredients.
Steamed Vegetarian Egg Dish – A Delicate and Sweet Flavor
Steamed vegetarian egg is a familiar choice in many Vietnamese families’ vegetarian meals. The harmonious combination of eggs, shiitake mushrooms, fresh vegetables, and coconut water creates a light and nutritious dish.
Instructions:
- Beat the eggs (chicken or duck) evenly.
- Briefly stir-fry shiitake mushrooms and vegetables (bok choy, choy sum…) with a little seasoning.
- Mix the beaten eggs with mushrooms and vegetables.
- Add a little fresh coconut water to create natural sweetness and a distinctive aroma.
- Pour the mixture into molds or small bowls, steam for about 20-25 minutes until the eggs are soft and cooked.
When enjoying, you can drizzle a little vegetarian soy sauce or vegetarian fish sauce to enhance the flavor. Steamed vegetarian egg is not only delicious but also provides plenty of protein and vitamins, which is very good for health.
Vegetarian Sour Soup – A Symphony of Flavors
Vegetarian sour soup is an indispensable dish in the Vietnamese vegetarian menu. With a diverse combination of vegetables, this soup brings an appealing sweet and sour taste that stimulates the taste buds.
Ingredients:
- Vegetables: Broccoli, tomatoes, carrots, tofu, straw mushrooms, bean sprouts, mint, elephant ear stalks (if available).
- Seasoning: Tamarind water, sugar, salt, soy sauce, chili (optional).
- Herbs: Sawtooth coriander, rice paddy herb.
Instructions:
- Prepare vegetables, wash and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Fry tofu until golden brown or leave it raw as you prefer.
- Boil water, add tamarind water to create sourness.
- Add vegetables and cook until tender.
- Season to taste, add tofu and herbs.
A variety of traditional Vietnamese vegetarian dishes showcasing the unique culinary culture of Vietnam
Vegetarian sour soup has the mild sourness of tamarind, the natural sweetness of vegetables, and the spiciness of chili, creating a harmonious and unforgettable flavor. Vegetarian sour soup is often served hot with white rice, vermicelli, or noodles. The distinctive flavor of this dish helps stimulate digestion and brings a delicious feeling.
Vegetarian Banh Chung – A Tet Culinary Essential
Vegetarian Banh Chung is a special version of the traditional Banh Chung, usually made during Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year). Vegetarian Banh Chung is not only a dish but also a symbol of warmth, prosperity, and family reunion.
Ingredients:
- Glutinous rice.
- Green beans.
- Shiitake mushrooms, wood ear mushrooms.
- Shallots.
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper.
- Dong leaves (Phrynium placentarium leaves).
- Bamboo strings.
Instructions:
- Soak glutinous rice overnight, wash thoroughly.
- Soak green beans, remove husks, steam until cooked.
- Soak shiitake mushrooms and wood ear mushrooms until softened, chop finely.
- Fry shallots until fragrant.
- Mix glutinous rice, green beans, shiitake mushrooms, wood ear mushrooms, fried shallots, and seasoning.
- Wrap the cake with dong leaves and tie tightly with bamboo strings.
- Boil the cake for about 8-10 hours until it is soft and cooked.
Vegetarian Banh Chung has the rich flavor of glutinous rice, the buttery taste of green beans, and the aroma of shiitake mushrooms and fried shallots. The cake is often served with pickled vegetables, scallion pickles, or chili sauce. Vegetarian Banh Chung is not only a delicious dish but also an indispensable part of Vietnamese Tet culinary culture.
Vegetarian Spring Rolls – Irresistibly Crispy
Vegetarian spring rolls, also known as vegetarian fried spring rolls, are a vegetarian dish loved by many for their crispy, delicious, and easy-to-make flavor.
Ingredients:
- Rice paper wrappers.
- Tofu.
- Glass noodles.
- Wood ear mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms.
- Carrots, kohlrabi (optional).
- Onions, scallions.
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, sugar, soy sauce.
Instructions:
- Mash tofu.
- Soak glass noodles, wood ear mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms until softened, chop finely.
- Shred carrots, kohlrabi.
- Chop onions, scallions.
- Mix all ingredients with seasoning.
- Wrap the spring rolls with rice paper wrappers.
- Deep-fry spring rolls until golden and crispy.
Vegetarian spring rolls are often served with sweet and sour dipping sauce, fresh vegetables, and vermicelli. The crispiness of the wrapper, the sweet and buttery taste of the filling, the aroma of mushrooms and vegetables create an attractive and irresistible dish.
Vegetarian Sticky Rice – A Simple and Nutritious Treat
Vegetarian sticky rice is a popular breakfast or snack in Vietnamese vegetarian cuisine. Vegetarian sticky rice is not only delicious but also provides plenty of energy and essential nutrients for the body.
Ingredients:
- Glutinous rice.
- Green beans.
- Peanuts.
- Cooking oil, salt, sugar.
Instructions:
- Soak glutinous rice overnight, wash thoroughly.
- Soak green beans, remove husks, steam until cooked.
- Roast peanuts until cooked, crush coarsely.
- Steam sticky rice using glutinous rice.
- When the sticky rice is cooked, mix well with green beans and peanuts.
- Add a little cooking oil and seasoning to taste.
Vegetarian sticky rice has the chewy aroma of glutinous rice, the buttery taste of green beans, and the richness of peanuts. Vegetarian sticky rice is often served with sesame salt, vegetarian sausage, or braised vegetables.
Conclusion
Traditional Vietnamese vegetarian dishes are not just simple meals, but also culinary artworks, imbued with cultural and spiritual values. Each dish contains the dedication and creativity of the chef, while also expressing respect for nature and life. Enjoying traditional vegetarian dishes not only helps us have a delicious meal but also helps us feel the beauty of Vietnamese culinary culture and find serenity in our souls.